Lead Civil Engineer

Role overview

GHD is looking for an accomplished Lead Civil Engineer to join its Palmerston North team and contribute to major transport and civil infrastructure work across New Zealand. This position combines hands-on technical leadership, mentoring, and client interaction within a long-established consultancy known for collaboration, quality, and a strong regional footprint.

You will help deliver projects from early concept through to completion, while also supporting a globally connected team working on impactful infrastructure outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the planning, design, and delivery of complex civil and infrastructure projects from initial concept through to final handover.
• Guide and support engineers and designers through technical mentoring and day-to-day leadership.
• Track project performance so quality, safety, timing, and budget targets are met.
• Coordinate design work, manage contract-related activities, communicate with clients, and work with subcontractors and other stakeholders.
• Promote better ways of working through innovation, improved design processes, digital delivery, and sustainability-focused outcomes.
• Keep current with engineering standards, codes, and new technologies relevant to the infrastructure sector.

Candidate profile

• You should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• We are looking for someone with 10 to 20 years of professional engineering experience, preferably with CPEng registration or actively working toward it.
• Experience leading and delivering civil infrastructure projects across multiple sectors is important.
• You need strong technical leadership ability and the confidence to mentor, motivate, and develop others.
• Solid design capability and a good grasp of project and contract management are required.
• You should be comfortable building trusted client relationships and identifying ways to create additional value.
• A strong delivery mindset and a record of producing high-quality, collaborative outcomes are essential.
• Good analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are needed, along with competence in commonly used engineering software and tools.
• A collaborative attitude and a commitment to learning, inclusion, and ongoing improvement are expected.

What the employer offers

GHD offers the chance to join a high-performing team working on a varied mix of civil infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand. The work spans everything from local developments to larger initiatives delivered through its global network.

The company operates nationally, so your base office does not need to be limited to one region. You may contribute to projects outside your local area, giving you broader exposure and helping you grow your professional network.

With a strong pipeline of work, a supportive culture, and access to meaningful projects, this role provides an opportunity to build technical depth, take on fresh challenges, and grow a long-term career in civil infrastructure.

Work model

This role follows a hybrid arrangement, with three in-office days each week and flexibility for the rest of the week.

Equal opportunity and recruitment notes

GHD welcomes people from all nationalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds and is committed to equal employment opportunities. The company also asks that agency resumes not be submitted at this stage.

About GHD

GHD is a global professional services organisation with expertise across engineering, architecture, and construction. It is employee-owned and operates through more than 200 offices across five continents, with a workforce of over 11,000 people.

The company’s commitment is focused on helping solve urgent global challenges and supporting sustainable outcomes in water, energy, and urbanisation for future generations.